Notschool Australia pilot

Notschool is an online, personalised learning program which operates in the UK, Europe and USA for young people who have disconnected from school. The program re-engages young people in learning by providing a secure non-threatening online environment to rebuild confidence, self esteem and social skills; and to provide a pathway into further education,training or work.

The Notschool Australia Pilot (NAP) involving Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania is being conducted over the 2011 and 2012 calendar years to evaluate the effectiveness of national approach to engaging disconnected students aged 14 - 17 years. The pilot is structured around a national core service with local adaptation to meet the differing needs of the learners, jurisdictions and regions. Education Services Australia is providing national co-ordination services and the shared infrastructure for the project.

The learners, known as researchers who are participating in the trial are selected by the jurisdictions. They are supported by an online network that enables global connectedness through their areas of interest and learning with peers and mentors across state borders.

Researchers are provided with full time, home-based learning that includes:

• an individualised learning plan
• access to a computer, internet connectivity and online learning resources
• online mentors and subject matter experts
• monitored virtual learning provision 24/7, 365 days a year
• a team leader and a technician to discuss progress and problems
• regular reporting to parents, carers, schools and systems, as appropriate
• a transition strategy to school, training or work.

The Notschool Australia Pilot (NAP) evaluation report will be published in 2013.

For further information contact notschoolaustralia@esa.edu.au